Tong murder accused is first to be extradited from Pakistan in a decade

The crime scene in New Lane, Tong in 2011. (d11051105)

Published:15:16Thursday 19 May 2016

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A man accused of a double murder in Tong appeared in court today after becoming the first person in more than a decade to be extradited from Pakistan to the UK.

Mohammed Zubair has been charged with the murders of Imran Khan, 27, and Ahmedin Sayed Khyel, 35, who were found dead in New Lane in May 2011.

Mohammed Zubair.

Zubair, who was 31 at the time, appeared before Bradford Magistrates’ Court today.

Detective Superintendent Simon Atkinson, of West Yorkshire Police, who is senior investigating officer in the case, said: “After five years, West Yorkshire Police has managed to arrange the extradition of Mohammed Zubair, who has been held in custody in Pakistan since November 2013.

I would like to praise the Pakistani authorities for their assistance and endeavours in not only securing his arrest, but also ensuring his extradition back to the UK.

“This has been a process that has taken a long time to come to fruition, and is the first instance in more than 10 years that anyone has been extradited from Pakistan to the UK.”

Zubair appeared in the dock at Bradford Magistrates’ Court this morning wearing a grey sweat top and grey trousers. The 36-year-old’s head was bald and he sported a short, neat beard.

For the short appearance, which lasted around four or five minutes, Zubair, of Bradford, was flanked by one dock officer.

He spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth for the court.

The court clerk read the two charges to him, the first that on the May 10, 2011, he jointly murdered Imran Khan at an address in Bradford.

The second charge was the same date and location, but in this case he is charged with jointly murdering Ahmedin Khyel.

Zubair was not asked to enter a plea to either of these charges and was told the magistrates’ court could not deal with these offences, or his bail, and his case would be sent to crown court.

Shahzad Ali, representing Zubair, said an issue had arisen with his client, regarding his return to the country.

“I understand there was an appeal pending in Pakistan before the crown court.”

He added that that a decision had not been reached before his return.

Mr Ali said: “I am not prepared to concede his return to this country was lawful.”

The court assured him his concern had been recorded. Before being taken back down to the cells Zubair waved to several people sitting in the public gallery.

He will appear at Bradford Crown Court tomorrow.

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